bureau13

I have a thread I posted not too long ago about how my car has to be driven every couple days at least or it runs TERRIBLY for the next couple of start-ups. I am stating this because I have a "different" problem now, but I can't say for certain that it's not related.

So, the car is getting driven ever day or two, so it's not the barely driveable, wants to stall, etc that is mentioned above. It does vary a bit in severity, and even seems (maybe) to be a little worse when the car is fully warmed up. I may be imagining that.

At idle, speed is good and it's generally pretty smooth (so not a consistent running on 7 cylinders or anything like that) but I get dips. Ever couple seconds, but not periodic, more randomly dispersed. I can feel it, and I can see it on tach. Then at part throttle, there are frequent hesitations, when its at its worst, it will shudder badly and/or backfire, etc. A couple times, when it seemed to be running pretty well, I gave it more throttle and could feel a similar hesitation at times. I don't do that very often though, because not knowing what the cause is, I'm wary of detonation, etc. Although it almost seems more like its running too rich, as opposed to too lean. But I'm just guessing there due to the backfires.

I don't see any fireflies at night, and the ignition wires are 3-4 years old. In fact, the only part of the ignition system (save the EZF) that hasn't been replaced in the last five or so years that I've owned the car are the coils. I hesitate to just replace them because they're old, but maybe I should.

I tested the FPR (1-2 years old) and both dampers (most likely originals) for vacuum, and they held it fine. No obvious gas smells that I could discern, either.

Temp II is pretty new, MAF was rebuilt maybe 4 years ago? Close to that. Fuel filter is new, fuel pumps are likely original, but they run and don't sound off to me, for what that's worth.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Petza914

Pill the spark plugs and lest see what they look like. Keep track of which one comes from which cylinder. Easy way is to put 8 holes in a cardboard box and write the cylinder #s on them.

ddire333

Had similar, and got worse as warmed up, turned out to be poor ground effecting consistent spark, might or might not be but suggest cleaning all the ignition related grounds anyway. Also checking the rotors and caps condition.

Saintrey

It is worth looking to check your ignition control modules. It is located in front of the car under the hood and is covered - driver side. Take cover off and make sure they are seated well. Clean contacts if you have to. There are 2 of them.

bureau13

I'll do that stuff. Thanks. Regarding the ignition control module things....I thought I read a horror story about someone taking them apart and that caused all sorts of issues. I'll search around...